Symbol at the heart of a saga

Henry and Wanda Sandoz at the cross on Sunset Rock in the Mojave National Preserve. The cross, erected in 1934 as a tribute to World War I veterans, was stolen, but the Sandozes plan to raise a new one on the site.

Henry and Wanda Sandoz at the cross on Sunset Rock in the Mojave National Preserve. The cross, erected in 1934 as a tribute to World War I veterans, was stolen, but the Sandozes plan to raise a new one on the site. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Henry and Wanda Sandoz at the cross on Sunset Rock in the Mojave National Preserve. The cross, erected in 1934 as a tribute to World War I veterans, was stolen, but the Sandozes plan to raise a new one on the site.